Transport chief Bautista sues Manibela leader, journalist for cyber libel

MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Tuesday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a cyber libel complaint against a transport group leader and a broadcaster after being accused of involvement in corrupt activities in the agency.

A complaint for violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, specifically cyber libel, has been filed against Manibela President Mar Valbuena and broadcaster Ira Panganiban.

“Marami silang accusations na ako daw ay tumatanggap ng pera o suhol which hindi naman totoo, kaya gusto ko lang protektahan ang aking pangalan na inalagaan ko for almost 45 years,” Bautista told reporters.

(They are accusing me of receiving money or bribes, which is not true. That’s why I want to protect the name I’ve taken care of for almost 45 years.)

Allegations of corruption against Bautista came after Jeffrey Tumbado, a former executive assistant at the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), revealed anomalies at the agency.

Bautista said Tumbado called him and said he never issued a statement linking the transportation chief to the anomalies.

However, Bautista said Valbuena and Panganiban accused him of receiving bribe money.

“I cannot allow myself to be the subject of another’s desperate attempt to attain fame, especially when malicious, baseless, and untruthful statements are hurled against me, if only to put a blemish on my untarnished track record and reputation of excellence and integrity,” Bautista said.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty received his complaint.

Sought for comment, Valbuena said the complaint is “purely harassment and abuse of power,” but he said he will cooperate with the proceedings.

“Yes of course mag a-attend ako. Mag aattend po ako at wala pong dahilan para tumigil hangga’t ‘di lumalabas ang katotohanan,” he said.

(Yes, of course, I will participate in the proceedings. I will attend and there is no reason to stop until the truth comes out.)

For his part, Panganiban asked: “Why me?”

“I have no idea what the good Sec Jaime Bautista is saying. I have just been reporting the news just like everyone else,” he said in a message to INQURIER.net

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